20 Inch Wheels on a Grand Prix??

BNaylor · 04-24-2005, 09:40 AM

I ran into a kid the other day at the speed shop. He was intent on putting aftermarket 20 inch wheels on his '98 GP GT and going a tire height (aspect ratio) of 35 or less?

Any rhyme or reason to this madness? Anyone care to weigh in on this issue?

KX2000GTP · 04-25-2005, 06:32 AM

It'll look pretty good, but it would be a bumpy a$$ ride. Another thing to consider is the tread life...it would be almost non-existing on that small of a tire.

My

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BNaylor · 04-25-2005, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KX2000GTP

It'll look pretty good, but it would be a bumpy a$$ ride. Another thing to consider is the tread life...it would be almost non-existing on that small of a tire.

My

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I agree. What I'm wondering is can you get them to fit without any fender, suspension or hub modifications such as a spacer, etc. Although I haven't seen one personally with 20" inch wheels, I've heard of it being done. Of course, there are other considerations like trying to get as close to the original diameter and circumference to mininize speedo error and not drastically altering the final overall gearing to a disadvantage.
But I do realize that anything is possible but at what cost and benefit to include safety. Looks is one thing but whats the functional benefit.

For example what about this tire/wheel combination:

20" wheels with 8.5" width & P245/35R20 tires, V rated

GTPWarrior · 04-25-2005, 02:11 PM

I have heard of rubbing issues on anything above 18" but I guess anything is possible.

ericvrose · 04-25-2005, 03:08 PM

Personally, I think 20's would look rediculous on a GP.

carnutcass · 04-25-2005, 03:16 PM

I agree.........bigger is not always better. Not sure when or why this fad became popular. I've seen one GP on 20's and it looked pretty goofy.

GTPWarrior · 04-25-2005, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericvrose

Personally, I think 20's would look rediculous on a GP.

i agree too. I think 17 maybe 18 are perfect

phaelax · 04-25-2005, 10:01 PM

18 would be the limit for me.

BNaylor · 04-25-2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phaelax

18 would be the limit for me.

Great feedback guys. Keep it coming. I agree that it must be some kind of fad probably started by the ricers. I'd consider 18" wheels with maybe ZR235/45R18 rubber as long no other mods are required. The diameter and circumference would be within 1 inch of original and the speedo error less than 1 mph. Plus there's still over 4 inches of sidewall meat.

19prixgt98 · 04-26-2005, 08:06 AM

there is a green GP GT here in town with 20" spinners and he goes thru tires like i change my underwear. but i was told that 19" would fit perfect with no problem by this rim and tire business here in my town! and yes u guys are right, those 20s on the prix are ungodly ugly! 20s=SUV's

MIGTPGUY · 04-26-2005, 11:25 PM

I can tell you personally that 20s, even with a 30 or 35 MM profile are very dangerous to the struts and suspension of the car. Of course a tire shop may tell you they can put your 20s on... that is $$$ for them... I personally have 18 inch Enkei rims with 50mm profile tires and every tire shop i went to said that they would not recomend i put these on unless i were to ride a profile of 40 or less, which in my opinion looks dumb because you have so much open space in the wheel well. I had 1 inch of free space when the wheels were turned all the way in. There is no way 20s would be any good on a grand prix.... 18s max... and i can tell you.. if you do go to an 18 inch rim, make sure you get atleast a 45mm profile or less... my 50 is a bit to big.

19prixgt98 · 04-27-2005, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIGTPGUY

I can tell you personally that 20s, even with a 30 or 35 MM profile are very dangerous to the struts and suspension of the car. Of course a tire shop may tell you they can put your 20s on... that is $$$ for them... .

If they dont want people complaining to them and giving them a bad rep, they will tell u if it will fit/if it dont! but im sure you can modify the suspension a lil bit to make the 20s fit good, but why would u want to do all that when u can just go down a size on the rim! If you have 20's on a Prix, you need to be slapped!

BNaylor · 04-27-2005, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19prixgt98

If they dont want people complaining to them and giving them a bad rep, they will tell u if it will fit/if it dont! but im sure you can modify the suspension a lil bit to make the 20s fit good, but why would u want to do all that when u can just go down a size on the rim! If you have 20's on a Prix, you need to be slapped!

lol. The idiot that sold them to 'em should be the one slapped. "Stupid is as stupid does".

GTPWarrior · 04-27-2005, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

lol. The idiot that sold them to 'em should be the one slapped. "Stupid is as stupid does".

I down sized mine to a 13"

MIGTPGUY · 04-27-2005, 11:07 AM

Now my friend has some nice chrome 20s on his new model Monte Carlo..... they look so badass.... definatly a looker

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